How to Dial In "Sarah Smiles" by Panic! at the Disco - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sarah Smiles"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Vices & Virtues (2011). Vices & Virtues is the third studio album by American pop rock band Panic! at the Disco, released on March 22, 2011, by Fueled by Ramen. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Traditional through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Panic! at the Disco's other songs from Vices & Virtues, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Sarah Smiles" Tone
What guitar did Panic! at the Disco use on "Sarah Smiles"?
The guitar on "Sarah Smiles" (released 2011) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Traditional above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Sarah Smiles" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 6.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Sarah Smiles" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sarah Smiles" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Sarah Smiles" by Panic! at the Disco are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.